Blog From Another People

Amy said the Center was designed to "be equally hospitable to humans and birds," and points out the curved roof that "channels rainwater into a collection system that supplies “guzzlers” for the birds." She also points out that the Center "maintains the mud puddles that keep the dragonflies happy." I definitely agree with the author in a way that architect focus on function more than art on this building, which resulted in one of the most environmental building in the world.

Design of the Building

World Birding Center is very functional. The design of the buildings are related to the energy efficiency.
The structures are designed to provide only the necessary amenities to support visitors in experiencing the landscape. Therefore, in this simple design, interior space was minimized to save material and energy.
However, metal roof area was maximized over exterior walkways and porches to collect as much water as possible. Eighteen water tanks can store more than 47,000 gallons of water. Captured rainwater provide for the minimal establishment-period needs of the all-native landscape.
Individual buildings are accessed from the exterior and function to allow for the utilization of some portions of the facilities without impacting the other areas.

Flicker Photo Cache

I notice that the design of the roof is very unique. It is intended to collect water from rain and recycle it.  Also, there are a lot of trees surrounding the building, which tells me that the building is very close to nature.

Experience at the Center by my friend

My friend, Dan Nguyen, has been the center with his uncle. He said the buildings are very open and environmental so that he was able to be more close to nature and observe birds, trees, and insects more efficiently. Also, he said there were a lot of sunlight coming inside the buildings.

Introduction of World Birding Center- including interviews

Location- Google Earth

The building is located in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, which is one of the richest bird habitats in the world. The location was carefully chosen by a land specialist, architects, planners, a biologist, a birding specialist, and local community partners. The Center is close to Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park. By placing the Center at the transition area between disturbed land and the native habitat, the team was able to interpret the story of a lost habitat.

The Interior of the Building

The room is mainly surrounded by windows, connecting occupants to the landscape. These high-performance vision glass relates the building occupant to the courtyards and vistas.

Drawing- a Large Windows and High Ceiling

I noticed that the building has a high ceilings and large windows. The architect intended design in this way in order to allow more exterior daylight to penetrate to the interior.

The Exterior of the Building

One of the consideration on material was the utilization of locally and regionally manufactured materials. Examples are the low-fired brick pavers and the highly durable clay block (Next images). These materials, both locally produced, have the benefits of low maintenance and low embodied energy, and are appropriate to the local climate.

Architecture Site Plan/ Drawings

The Purpose of the Building

The purpose of the building was to "significantly increase the appreciation, understanding, and conservation of birds and wildlife habitat." Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and local communities joined together and established the World Birding Center, seeking to repair or reestablish the rich natural landscape of the lower Rio Grande Valley.

The World Birding Center Headquarters function as a gateway between disturbed land that was cleared for agricultural purposes and more than 1,700 acres of adjacent native habitat that was established as a habitat preserve.

Work Cited

http://www.theworldbirdingcenter.com/

http://www.lakeflato.com/projects/world-birding-center/

http://www.aiatopten.org/

http://www.tpwmagazine.com/birding/

http://wildbirdonthefly.blogspot.com/2008/10/texas-birding-center-on-list-of-must.html

Basic Facts of World Birding Center Headquarters

Location:

2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive (FM 2062)

Mission  Texas  78572

United States

(Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park)

Architect: 

Roy Schweers

Project Completion Date: 

January, 2004